The Kingorn family name was first used by descendants of the Pictish people of ancient Scotland. It is a name for someone who lived in the barony of Kinghorn in the county of Fife. The surname Kingorn belongs to the category of habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Early Origins of the Kingorn family

The surname Kingorn was first found in Fife, at the historic former Royal Burgh of Kinghorn, now a town which derives its name from the Scottish Gaelic Ceann Gronna, meaning "head of the marsh" or "head of the bog." Perhaps best known as the place where King Alexander III of Scotland died, this town is steeped in history including the former castle in Kinghorn which was frequently visited by the Scottish Court in the period of the House of Dunkeld. No trace of the castle can be found today. King Alexander III returned here to see his new wife Yolande of Dreux, but fell from his horse on the way and was found dead on the beach of Pettycur bay.

Early History of the Kingorn family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kingorn research.Another 239 words (17 lines of text) covering the years 1200, 1292, 1296, 1597 and 1513 are included under the topic Early Kingorn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kingorn Spelling Variations

Scribes in the Middle Ages did not have access to a set of spelling rules. They spelled according to sound, the result was a great number of spelling variations. In various documents, Kingorn has been spelled Kyngorn, Kinghorn, Kinghorne, Kingorn, Kynghorn, Kyngorne, Kynghorne, Kinghan and many more.

Early Notables of the Kingorn family (pre 1700)

More information is included under the topic Early Kingorn Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Kingorn family to Ireland

Some of the Kingorn family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.Another 155 words (11 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Kingorn family to the New World and Oceana

The cruelties suffered under the new government forced many to leave their ancient homeland for the freedom of the North American colonies. Those who arrived safely found land, freedom, and opportunity for the taking. These hardy settlers gave their strength and perseverance to the young nations that would become the United States and Canada. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the name Kingorn: James Kinghorn who landed in America in 1771; William Kingham settled in Barbados in 1674; Thomas Kingham settled in Maryland in 1722.

The Kingorn Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: A favore regis nomenMotto Translation: The popularity of the name